Gearshifting mechanism



March 31, 1942. E, G, KESUNG I 2,277,914

GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM Filed March 6, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 1 wyp/ March 31,1942. E, G. KESUNG l 2,277,914

GEAR SHIFTING MECHANI SM FiledMarch 6, 1940 5 Sl'xeets-Sheel 2 /NENTOR March 31,1942. E Q K EsLlNG 2,277,914

GEAR SHIFTING MEcHANIsM Filled March 6, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 AENTOR MWW E, G. KEsLlNG GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM March 31, 1942.

5 sheeis-sneet s Filed March 6, 1940 4 WA, A A W E Patented Mar. 31, 1942 narran stares rarest ortica GEAR-SHIFTING MECHANISM Elmer G. Kesling, Bloomfield, Mo.

Application March 6, 1940, Serial No. 322,564

(Cl. 'Z4-335) 17 Claims.

This invention relates to gear shifting mechanism, and has special utility as a selecting and shifting means for the transmission gearing of automobiles and other vehicles. The gear shiftingmechansm used is of the booster type in which the parts for selective engagement and the valve mechanism are mounted on the steering column and the power means has support on the cowl dash, and in which manual energy is applied to eifect the selective movements preparatory for the shifting movements, after which manual and power energy may be applied independently or in combination to effect the shifting movements, and in which manual energy, resilient energy and power energy are utilized to regulate a valve for controlling the power means, and also in which said manual energy may be utilized to effect any desired part of the shifting movements.

Objects of the invention are to provide a simplied remotely controlled booster gear shifting mechanism which includes an operating lever mounted on the steering column just under the steering wheel yand operating substantially in a lecting means also mounted on the steering column for selectively engaging and operating the connections for electing the required speed relation; to provide a manual means for effecting selection of the element to be shifted; to prof' vide a power means for effecting the shifting movements of the selected element; to provide a valve mechanism for controlling energization of said power means; to provide mechanism mounted on the steering column for preventing g' a shifting movement of an unselected element; to provide a construction in which the valve mechanism and the power means are mounted in a position to be protected from the dirt and dust of the road. Other objects will be apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing part of the operating parts mounted on the upper end portion of the steering column.

Fig. 2 is a View partly in section approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing part of one form of my improved gear shifting mechanism mounted on the steering column and on the cowl dash.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 3 and showing the connection with the gear case.

conventional manner, and which includes a se- 25 Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view approximately on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged View, partly in section and partly cut-away, of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 1--1 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a reduced under side view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged side elevation, similar to Fig. 3, partly in section of a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a view partly in section approximately on the line II--I I of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a reduced View partly cut-away and partly in section as viewed from the line I2-I2` of Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged View of a part of Fig. 12.

The case I (Fig. 4) encloses the customary transmission gearing (not shown). 'I'he present invention is not concerned with the construction of the gearing that is within the case I, except that it is to be understood that they are of the type in which a part is moved in one direction by the crank 2 to effect reverse speed relation and in the other direction by said crank 2 to effect low speed relation, and in which another part is moved in one direction by the crank 3 to effect intermediate speed relation and in the other direction by said crank 3 to eiect high speed relation. A bracket 4 is adjustably secured to the lower end portion of the steering column 5 by bolts 6 and has a bearing .1 integrally formed therewith (Fig. 3).

A bearing 8 is secured in any known manner to the upper end of the steering column 5.

A bearing 9 is secured to the intermediate portion of the steering column 5 by welding or otherwise.

The bearings 1, 8 and 9 are normally placed in axial alignment.

A tubular shaft IU is mounted for rocking and longitudinal movements in the bearing 'I and 9. A bar I I (Fig. 4) is secured in the upper end of the tubular shaft I0 and projects beyond the end of the tubular shaft I Il.

A hub I2 of a crank arm I3 is loosely mounted on the shaft IU against the upper end of the bearing 1. A second hub I4 of a crank arm I5 is loosely mounted on the shaft I0 against the upper end of the hub I2. An abutment I6 cooperating with the bearing 'I for holding the hubs I2 and I4 from endwise movements is secured to the steering column 5 by welding or otherwise. Notches I1 and I8 are formed in the adjacent ends of the respective hubs I2 and I4. A finger I9 is secured to the tubular shaft I6 by welding or otherwise for selective engagement with one or the other of the notches I 1 and I9 by longitudinal movements of the shaft I6.

The free ends of the arms I3 and I5 are respectively pivotally connected to one end of links 26 and 2|. The other ends of said links 2i] and 2l are respectively connected to the arms 3 and 2 by adjustable connections 22 A second tubular shaft 23 is mounted on the bar II and in the bearing 8 (Figs. 2 and 5) One end of a bar 24 is secured in the depth of the bearing 8 by a pin 25 and projects into the adjacent end of the tubular shaft 23. A plug 25 is secured in the tubular shaft 23 at a distance from the bar 24 by a pin 21. A spring 28 is mounted in the tubular shaft 23 between the bar 24 and plug 26 and resiliently holds the shaft 23, etc., in a normally selected downward position.

A tubular projection 29 is secured by welding or otherwise to one side of the upper end of the tubular shaft 23 in line with a hole in the wall of the tubular shaft 23. An operating lever 36 is secured in the projecting end of the projection 29 by a pin 3l and has an inwardly projecting end 32 extending through the tubular projection 29 and terminating in a ball forma,- tion 33 which has pivotal bearing in a notch 34 in the adjacent side of the bar 24,

A crank arm 35 is secured by a pin I3' or otherwise to the projecting end of the shaft I9 beyond the bearing 9. The free end of the arm 35 is pivotally connected to spaced ears 36 by a pin 31, while the ears 35 are secured to one end of a piston rod 38 by a pin 39 or otherwise. The other end of the rod 38 is extended through a bearing in an end wall 40 of a cylinder 4I and into said cylinder and is secured in any known manner to a piston 42 which divides the cylinder 4I into two chambers 43 and 44. Tubes 45 and 46 are secured in the wall of the cylinder 4I and communicate with the chambers 43 and 44, respectively. A pin or bolt 41 is secured to the end wall opposite the wall 40 of the cylinder 4I and affords a pivotal connection to a supporting bracket 48 by the use of a rubber mounting 49. The bracket 48 may be secured to the dash 5S by bolts 5I or to any convenient stationary part of the automobile.

The piston 42, piston rod 38, etc., are to be known as the power device of this invention.

A portion of one side of the arm 35 forms a valve seat 52 which has a passage 53 and ports 54 and 55 therethrough (Fig. 7). Tubes 55, 51 and 53 are secured by a plate 59 and bolts 66 to the other side of the arm 35, said tubes 56. 51 and 58 communicate with the passage 53 and ports 54 and 55, respectively.

A crank arm 6I is secured by a pin 23" or in any other manner to the lower end of the shaft 23. The adjacent surfaces of the arms 35 and 6l are to be parallel for free relative movements therebetween. One or both of the adjacent ends of the hubs of the arms 35 and 6I are to be formed with a slight fullness so as to reduce the surface friction between the arms 35 and 6I.

A plate 62 contacting a certain portion of the surface of the arm 35 opposite to the arm 5I has a bent portion 83 at each end which is formed with abutment faces 64 for contacting the adjacent surface of the arm SI and a projection 65 for snug engagement in a notch 66 formed in the respective edge of the arm 6I.

An elongated slot 61 is formed through the arm 35 at a required distance from the shaft I0. A spacing tube 53 is mounted in the slot 61. The arm 6I and plate 62 are held in rigid contact with the respective end of the tube 6B by a bolt G9 which is inserted through the tube 68 and corresponding holes in the arm 6I and plate 62. The tube 68 and the bent portions 63 are of such length to leave the arm 35 free to move between the arm 6I and the plate 62 (Fig. 5). The slot 61, tube and bolt S9 form a lost-motion connection between the arm 5| and the arm 35 for limiting relative rotative movements between the operating shaft 23 and the actuating shaft I9; and the tube 68 and bolt 69 comprises means for simultaneous longitudinal movements of the shafts I0 and 23. The plate 62 is of such length that the bent portion 63 will not be contacted by the arm 6I in the movements permitted by the lost-motion connection 61--69.

A clip 10 is secured at one end to the arm 6I by the bolt 69 and is bent away from the arm 6I and extended into spaced relation with the valve seat 52, and a hole is provided in the free end of the clip 10 through which a tube 1I projects.

A cup-like cover 12 with its edge in Contact with the valve seat 52 is mounted in a hole 13 formed in the free end of the arm 6I. The inner end of the tube 1I is secured in the dome surface of the cover 12 for communication with the inside thereof. The cover 12 is held in contact with the valve seat 52 by the resiliency of a spring 14 mounted around the tube 1I between the cover 12 and the adjacent surface of the clip 1I). A required portion of the hole 13 is enlarged to form a circular recess in the arm 6I for the reception of an oil and dust gasket 13' of felt or other suitable material. The cover 12 forms a moveable valve chest which both houses and actuates a valve plate 15 which may be spot welded, or otherwise secured, to the cover 12. The cover 12 and plate 15 are prevented from turning in the hole 13 by a pin 16 which is freely mounted in a hole in the clip 10 and secured to the cover 12 by welding or otherwise. The periphery of th'e valve plate 15 is formed to contact the inner surface of the cover 12 eX- cept where it is cut away to form passages 11 and 18 (Figs. 1 and 8) to allow fluid energir to flow between the tube 1I and the port 54 or the port 55, as the case may be. A passage 19 is formed on the under side of the valve plate 15 to allow fluid energy to flow between the passage 53 and the port 54 or the port 55, as the case may be.

The valve seat 52 having passage 53 and ports 54 and 55, and the valve plate 15 together with the cover 12, etc., form the valve mechanism of this invention.

Regulation of the valve mechanism is either effected by turning movements of the shaft 23 which through the arm 6I and the cover 12 causes the valve plate 15 to move relatively to the valve seat 52 or by turning movements of the shaft I6 which through the arm 35 causes the valve seat 52 to move relatively to the valve plate 15. It is then clearly seen that if the shafts I0 and 23 should be held still or turned together any given relative position between the valve 15 and the seat 52 will be maintained.

It can here be noted that the limit of movements of the lost-motion connection 61-69 is such as to allow a complete opening of the valve 15 in either direction.

Rectangular slots 88 and 8| are formed at suitable locations through the arm 35 for the reception of respective valve closing springs B2 and 83 which are reposed on T piece 84 and 85, respectively, with the cross arm of each .T piece normally engaging one end wall of the respective slot 80 or 8|, and the springs 82 and 83 mounted under a partial compression between the other end wall of said respective slot and the cross arm of said T piece, and with the extended arms of the T piece 84 and 85 projecting into respective holes 86 and 81 provided in the adjacent sides of the arm 6| and the plate 62. The slots 88 and 8| are so placed that the line of action of the springs 92 and 83 is substantially at right angles to the swing pivotal movements of the arms 35 and 6 I. A washer or integral formation 88, as shown, may be positioned between each T piece 84 and 85 and the respective spring 82 and 83 in order to give the said springs a better abutting surface at that end. The holes 86 and 81 are of such position that the arm 6I and plate 62 normally contact the side of the T piece cross arms opposite the respective springs 82 and 83 and the holes 86 and. 81 are of such size that should force be applied in a manner to effect pivotal movements of the arm 6| in either direction the respective T pieces 84 or 85 will be moved to further compress one of the springs 82 or 83,

las required, while the other of said springs 82 or 83, as the case may be, will be left in its normally compressed condition. It is clear that should said force be relieved the further compressed spring 82 or 83, as the case may be, will act to automatically return the arms 6| and 35 to normal relative relation. It is also understood that the holes 86 and 81 are of such size to permit the full limits of movements of the lost-motion connection 61-69.

It will be noted that the construction and arrangements of the parts 80 to 88 inclusive, forms an automatic resilient valve closing means, and also a means comprising a definite resilient force for normally holding said valve 15 in a closed relation.

It is now apparent that any swinging movement of the arm 6| relation with the arm 35 by a turning movement of the shaft 23 to open the valve 15 will be against the resilient action of the further compressed spring 82 or 83, as the case may be, and

that as the force utilized to swing the arm 6| is y released the thus further compressed spring 82 or 83 will automatically return the arm'II to normal relative relation with the arm 35 and thus close the valve 15.

It will be understood that rubber tubing or other flexible means (not shown) is to be used to transmit the fluid energy employed to and from the tubular connections shown. If vacuum air is to be used, such flexible means would connect the tube 56 to the engine intake manifold (not shown), the tube 51 to the tube 45 and the tube 58 to the tube 46, while the tube 1I would simply open to the atmosphere directly or indirectly through an air cleaning device (not shown). If a pressure medium is to be used, the connections of the tubes 51 and 58 to the tubes 45 and 46, respectively, would remain the same as for vacuum air; but the tube 'II would be connected to a pressure device (not shown), while the tube 56 would simply open to the atmosphere difrom the normal central f rectly or indirectly through a muling device (not shown). This connecting means must be flexible because the connections are to. parts that have movement in the operation of the device.

It is to be understood that the customary spring plungers and interlock are utilized in the case I for respectively resiliently aiding in positioning and holding the shifter elements into and in a shifted position and preventing an unselected element from being shifted.

In the construction of the modification shown in Figs. 10 to 13, inclusive, the interlock means for preventing shifting movements of the selected element is mounted on the actuating shaft I8; the power means is mounted in front of the dash and connected to the shifting means by a lever separate from the means connecting the shafts I8 and 23; and the spring closing means, although resilient in action, is diierent in construction from that shown in Figs. l to 10.

In the modification the parts 4, 6, 1, and I2 to I8, inclusive, are replaced by parts 4', 6', 1 and I2 to I8', inclusive, respectively.

The brackets 4 and I6 are adjustably secured in spaced relation to the lower end portion of the steering column 5 by screws 6.

'I'ubes 89 and 98 are mounted on the shaft I8 on each side, respectively, of the finger I9 and are held from relative longitudinal movements to the shaft I8 by ferrules 9| which are secured to the shaft I8 by pins 92 or otherwise. The tube 89 extends into the bearing 1, and the tube 98 extends into the bearing 93 formed on the upper part of the bracket I6. The hub I2 of the arm I3 (Fig. 17) is mounted on the tube 89 with one end in contact with the upper end of the bearing 1', and the hub I4' of the arm I5' is mounted on the tube 98 in contact with the other end of the hub I2 and the lower end of the bearing 93. It is clear then that the hubs I2 and I4' are held against longitudinal movements with the shaft I8 by the bearings 1' and 93. Notches I1 and I8 are formed in the adjacent ends of the respective hubs I2 and I4 for selective engagement by the finger I9 by longitudinal movements of the shaft I8. The free end of the arm I3' is connected to the link 2|, and the free end of the arm I5 is connected to the link 2| (Fig. 11).

The bearings 1 and 93 and the hubs I2' and I4 have longitudinal grooves 94, 95, 96 and 91 formed in their respective bearing surfaces. Said grooves 94, 95, 96 and 91 are so positioned to be in alignment parallel with the shaft I8 when the hubs I2 and I4' are in neutral position.

The tube 89 has definitely placed and spaced aligned holes 98 and 99 through the wall thereof; and the tube 98 has definitely placed and spaced aligned holes |88 and I8I through the wall thereof. The holes 98, 99, |88 and |8I definitely hold respective balls |82, |83, |84 and |85 for engagement with the respective grooves 94, 95, 96 and 91.

The thickness of the walls of the tubes 89 and 98 and the depth of the grooves 94-91 are such that the balls |82-I 85 will not have any tendency to roll out of said holes or said grooves in the operation of the device.

A circumferential enlargement |86 is formed in the lower end of the bearing 1 by reaming said bearing an amount equal to the depth of the groove 94 and for a suicient distance so that the ball |82 Will be in said enlargement |86 and out of the groove 94 after the shaft has been moved longitudinally for engagement' of the iinger I9 into the notch I1', which selected position is shown in Fig. 10. A similar enlargement |01 is properly formed in the upper end of the bearing 93 so that the ball |35 will be in said enlargement |01 and out of the groove 91 after the shaft I3 has been moved longitudinally to engage the finger I9 into the notch I8.

From the foregoing it is plainly seen that the unselected hub |2 or I4 will be held against turning movements, since the respective tube 83 or 93, as the case may be, will be held against turning because the ball |92 or |85 will be locked in the adjacent respective stationary notch 95 or 91, while the selected huh l2 or |4 will be free to turn with the shaft I9 and finger I9, since the respective tube 89 or 3D, as the case may be, will also be free to turn, because the ball |62 or |05 will be unlocked from the adjacent stationary notch 94 or 91.

It is noted that the balls |93 and Ill are always locked in the respective notches 95 and 96.

The adjacent ends of the hubs I2 and |12 are turned down to form a bearing surface for the hub |08 of an arm |99. The hub |98 has a groove IIB properly cut in the bearing surface thereof for permanent engagement with the end of the finger |9, therefore any swinging movements of the arm |23 will cause the finger I9, shaft I0,

the selected hub I2' or I4', etc., to turn therewith. The free end of the arrn |99 is pivotally connected to spaced ears by a pin |I2, while the ears are secured to the piston rod 38 by a pin i3 or otherwise.

The piston rod 33, cylinder H and all parts relative thereto are the same as shown in Figs. l to 9, inclusive, except a bracket H2 connects the cylinder 4| to the front side of the dash 59 by bolts I 5 or otherwise.

In the modification (Fig. 10, etc.) the arms 35 and 5| displace the arms 35 and 6|, respectively, of the form shown in Figs. l to 9.

A single slot substantially rectangular in form is provided through the arm 35. Said slot IIS is located across the center line of the arm .l

35 and circularly formed on a suitable radius from the axis of the shafts I and 23.

Holes I |1 and I |8 are drilled substantially on a tangent with the slot IIS from the surface of the formed edges I|9 and |20, respectively, of the i arm 35 to the adjacent end of the slot IIS.

Pins I2| and |22 are mounted for longitudinal movements in the holes |I1 and I|8, respectively. The pins |2| and |22 have rounded outer ends extending a certain distance from the surfaces ||9 and |29, respectively, and reduced inner ends |23 and |24, respectively, extending into the adjacent end of the slot IIE. Tight fitting washers |25 and |26 are placed on the reduced ends |23 and |24, respectively.

A spring |21 is mounted under a definite partial compression in the slot ||3 between the Washers |25 and |26.

A bar |28 is positioned over the slot Il@ and across the side of the arm 35 opposite the arm The ends of the bar |28 are thickened toward the arm 6| to form surfaces |29 and |39 for contacting the adjacent formed edge surfaces ||9 and |26 of the arm 6|. Bolts |3| are mounted in aligned holes through the ends of the bar |23 and the arm 6|', and the ends of bar |28 are of such thickness that the arm 35 is left free to move between the arm 6| and the bar |28 when the bolts |3| are tight. The sides |32 and |33 of the thickened .ends of the bar |28 are so formed and spaced away from the respective edges ||9 and |20 as to limit relative turning movements between the arms 35' and 6I and thus between the shafts 23 and II). Therefore, the surfaces ||9 and |20 and the surfaces |32 and |33 act, respectively as a lost-motion connection in the modification shown in Figs. 10 to 13.

The bar |23 and bolts |3| also function to cause the shafts l0 and 23 to always have simultaneous longitudinal movements.

The rounded ends of the projecting pins |2| and |22 normally contact the surfaces |32 and |33, respectively. With this construction it is clear that the spring |21 will be further com pressed when the arms 35 and 6| are relatively swung in either direction by the surface |32 or |33 moving the corresponding pin |2| or |22 against the spring |21, and that when and as the force effecting such relative movement is released said spring I21 will automatically act to return said arms 35 and EI to normal relative relation. Therefore, the single spring |21 functions in the same manner as the pair of springs 92 and 33 in the form of this invention shown in Figs. 1 to 9.

A bolt |32 screwed into a threaded hole in the arm SI' secures the clip 19 to the arm 6I'. The clip 10 functions the same as the clip 1U of the form shown in Figs. l to 9. All other parts are the same as shown in Figs. 1 to 9.

In the operation of the device, the operating lever 39 is swung on the fulcrum pin 3| to produce a positioning of the fmger I9 in either the notch I1 or the slot i3, as the case may be, through the action of the parts 32, 33, 34, 24 (28, 26), 29, 23, 35 (62, 38, B9), and I9. When the lever 33 is raised these parts act in one direction to position the finger I9 in the notch IB which is the selected position for shifting into reverse or low speed positions; and when the lever is lowered these parts act in the opposite direction to position the finger I9 in the notch l1 which is the selected position for shifting into intermediate or high speed positions. It is to be remembered that the force applied to raise the lever 39 is against the resilient action of the spring 23, and that the lever is normally held in the downward position by said spring 28.

After the required selection has been made, the lever 3D is swung in the opposite or horizontal plane to effect the required shift through the action of the parts 3|, 23, E3, EI, 12, 15, the openings 53, 54, 55, 11, 13, the proper tubing, the parts 6|, d2, 38, 36, 31, 35, I0, and the selected notch l1 or I8 and respective lever I3 or I5, link or 2| and crank 2 or 3, as the case may be. When the lever 39 is swung forwardly, these parts, etc., act in one direction to swing either the crank 2 or the crank 3 forwardly to eiect, respectively, either reverse or intermediate speed position, as the case may be; and when the lever is swung rearwardly these parts, etc., act in an opposite direction to swing either the crank 2 or the crank 3 rearwardly to effect, respectively, either low or high speed position, as the case may be.

Therefore, if it is desired to shift into either reverse or low speed, the lever 3|] is raised, and, since the lever 39 fulcrums in this plane of move ment on the pin 3| in the projection 29 which is rigid with the shaft 23, and, since the lever 3|) extends beyond the fulcrum pin 3| to engage the notch 34 in the stationary bar 24, the shaft 23 and parts 6|, 35, |9, IS, etc., are made to move longitudinally upward against the resilient action of the spring 28, and the finger I9 will engage into the notch I8; then if it is desired to shift into reverse speed, the lever 30 is swung forward and cause the projection 29 to swing therewith and rotate the shaft 23 in the same direction and the arm 6l which is rigid with the shaft 23 swings in the same direction, against the resilient action of the spring 82, and moves the cover 'I2 and valve 'I5 therewith to open the ports 54 and 55; whereupon, if vacuum energy is used, the air will be depleted from the chamber 43 through tube 45-51, port 54, passage 53, and :tube 56; and, thereupon, atmospheric air will rush through the tube l I, port 55, and tube 58--46 into the chamber 44 and move the piston 42 to the left (Fig. in the cylinder 4l, and swing the crank arm 35 to the left, causing the shaft IIJ and finger I9 to turn in the same direction, and since the finger I9 is engaged in the notch II the hub I4 will turn and the arm I5 will swing in the same direction and cause the link 2I to move bodily forward and upward and swing the crank arm 3 therewith to effect the shift into reverse speed position.

It is to be noted that this shifting action has been effected by the power means 42, 38, etc., in a follow-up manner, since manual means 39, etc., has initially moved the valve 'I5 ahead while the power means has subsequently moved the valve seat 52 in a follow-up manner.

Therefore, it is obvious that this shifting movement continues as the operator continues to move the lever 38, etc., and keeps the valve 'I5 ahead of the ports 54 and 55, and the acting power means 42, etc., will continue to move the valve v seat 52 in the same direction; but, if the operator should release the lever 30, the spring 82 will automatically act to close the valve 'I5 and the power means 42, etc., would stop; or, if the operator should stop the movement of the lever 39 and stay the valve l5, the acting power means 42, etc., will continue to move the valve seat 52 in a follow-up manner and cause the ports 54 and 55 to over-run the valve 15, whereupon the power means will also stop.

To bring the parts from reverse speed position to neutral position, the parts will actin the opposite direction to that of shifting into reverse speed position, except the other spring 83 will be further compressed as the valve 'l5 is moved in the opposite direction to open the ports 54 and 55; whereupon the air in the chamber 44 is depleted by said vacuum through the tube 46-58, port 55, passage 53 and tube 56; and thereupon atmospheric air will rush through tube 1I, port 54 and tube 57-45 into chamber 43 and move the piston 42 toward the rear of the cylinder 4I, and the connected parts, acting in the said opposite direction, effect the shift into neutral position.

The action of shifting from neutral position to low speed position is the same as shifting from reverse speed position to neutral position; and the action of returning the parts to neutral position from low speed position is the same as shift- Aing from neutral position to reverse speed position.

To shift into either intermediate or high speed position, the lever is lowered, normally automatically by the spring 28 when the parts are in neutral position, which movement, whether manual or by said resilient means 28, through the connected parts 32, 33, 34, etc., effects a longitudinally upward movement of the shaft 23, arms 6I, 35, shaft I0, etc., and causes the finger I9 to engage into the notch Il; then, if it is desired to shift into intermediate speed position, the lever 30 is swung forwardly and the action of all parts is the same as that to shift into reverse speed position, except the finger I9 having been selectively engaged in the notch Il of the hub I2, the arm I3 will be made to swing upwardly (Fig. 4) and cause the link 20 to move bodily forward and upward and swing the crank arm 2 therewith to effect the shift into intermediate speed position.

To bring the parts from intermediate speed position to neutral position and to high speed position, all parts move and act in the opposite direction to that of effecting the shift into intermediate speed position; and the action to bring the parts to neutral position from high speed position is the same as that to effect the shift into intermediate speed position.

Selection is always effected manually in the manner described, regardless of whether the shifting movements are to be effected by power means alone, by a combination of power and manual means, or by manual means alone.

The selecting and shifting operations of the modication shown in Figs. 11 to 13 are accomplished in the same manner as in the form shown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, except the power device 42, 39, etc., is operatively connected to finger I9 through the lever |09 whereas in the form shown in Figs. 1 to 9 this connection is through arm 35 and shaft I8; and the cylinder 4l is connected to the other side of the dash 59 in the modification of Figs. 10 to 13.

A decided advantage of the modification shown in Figs. 10 to 13 is that in the modified form the arm Il'il has no relative movements with the cylinder 4I during selection and can be mounted rigid in that plane; whereas, in the form of Figs. l to 9, the arm 35 has relative movements with the cylinder 4I and extra space must be provided between the ears 36 Ias shown in Fig. 3, or a mounting exible in that plane must be provided where closer fitting ears 35 are used as shown in Fig. 5.

Manual action to effect the shift or assist in effecting the shifting is brought about by the tube 58 engaging one or the other of the ends, as the case may be, of the slot 61 of the original disclosure in Figs. 1 to 10, or one or the other of the edge surfaces I I9, I2Il of the arm 35 engaging either the surface |32 or the surf-ace I33, as the case may be, of the modification shown in Figs. 11 to 13; whereupon a continued manual movement of the lever 38, 23, etc., in the same direction will swing the arm 35 or 35' in the same direction to cause the connected parts I9, etc., to effect the shift selected as disclosed in describing the power shifting movements.

It is obvious that the interlock device 89 to 92 and 94 tolll, inclusive, which has been described herefore could be installed in the form shown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive.

It can also be noted that said interlock prevents the selecting finger I9, shaft i, etc., from being turned except when said finger I9 is completely into engagement with one or the other of the notches I'I or I8.

It must now be apparent that my invention obtains all the intended objects in a highly eiiicient manner. Obviously, the construction, arrangement and relationship of the parts may be varied within the scope of equivalent limits without departure from the nature and principle of the invention. I do not restrict myself specifically otherwise than as set forth in the appended claims, nor do I restrict myself unessentially in any respects.

I claim:

l. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a shaft, a second shaft, both of said shafts being mounted for longitudinal and rocking movements, means connecting said shafts for positive simultaneous longitudinal movements and for slight relative rotative movements, a pair of opposite acting springs mounted on a part of said connecting means under a limited expansion, means co-acting with 'another part of said connecting means for effecting a further compression of one or the other of said springs by said second shaft, a manual means connected to said second shaft for operating said shafts, and a power device controlled by said connecting means for assisting said manual means in operating said first named shaft.

2. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising shifter elements, an actuator 'mounted for longitudinal lselective movements and rotative vshifting movements for selectively shifting said elements, a spindle for moving said actuator, means providing a positive longitudinal connection and also providing a lostmo'tion rotative connection vbetween said spindle and seid actuator, resilient means mounted on a part of said connecting means, means co-acting with vanother part of said connecting means for contacting said resilient means to resilient-ly hold said shait and said actuator in a normal central relative rotative relation, manually operated 'means connected to said spindle lor moving said spindle, and a power device connected to said actuator and controlled by said connecting means for assisting said manual means in effecting said shifting movements.

3. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a shaft, ya second shaft, means connecting said shafts for positive simultaneous movements and for limited relative rota- 'tive`movements, resilient means mounted on said connecting means for resiliently holding said shafts in anormal relative rotative relation, a manual 'device 4connected to `said second yshaft for loperating said shafts, and a power means connested to said Vrst named shaft and controlled by said connecting means for assisting said manual device to rotate said first named shaft.

ii. Gear shifting mechanism of the character 'described comprising shifter elements, a pair of shafts mounted in axial alignment for selectively engaging and shifting said elements by Vlongitudinal and rotative movements thereof respectively, connecting means providing positive simultaneous longitudinal movements and limited re1- ative rotative movem-entsof said shafts, resilient means mounted on said connecting means for resiliently holding Ysaid shafts in a centrally relative rotative relation, manual means connected to one oi said shafts for operating said shafts, and a power device connected to the other one of `said 4shafts and controlled by said connecting means for assisting said manual means to shift the selected element.

5. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising shifter elements, a spindle ymounted for longitudinal movements to selectively engage said elements and for rotative movements to shift the selected element, a power device for imparting shifting movements to said spindle, a shaft mounted in axial alignment with said spindle, means connecting said shaft and said spindle providing positive -simultaneous-longitudinal movements thereof and limited relative rotative movements therebetween, a valve moved by said connecting means for controlling energization of said power device, a resilient means mounted on said connecting means for resiliently holding said valve in a normally closed relation, and manual means for operating said shaft to selectively position said spindle and thereafter regulate said valve and finally to assist said power device to impart shifting movements to said spindle as desired.

6. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described Acomprising shifter elements, a spindle, an engaging means supported by said spindle for selectively engaging said elements by longitudinal movements of said spindle and for `shifting the selected element by rotative movements of said spindle, a power dev-ice connected directly with said engaging means for imparting shifting movements to said engaging means, a crank means lconnected to said spindle, a valve mounted `on said crank means and moveable therewith for controlling energization of said -power device, and operating means for selectively positioning said engaging means and also regulating said valve.

7. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a shaft, a .second shaft, both of said shafts mounted for 'longitudinal and rocking movements, means connecting said shafts for positive simultaneous longitudinal movements Vand for slight relative rotative movements, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said second shaft, means attached to said second shaft engageable to selectively shift said Lelements, a manual means connected to said `first named shaft for operating said shafts, and a power device directly connected to said engageable means and controlled by said connecting means for imparting shifting movements to said engageable means.

8. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a pair of shafts mounted in axial alignment for longitudinal and rocking movements, means connecting said shafts for positive simultaneous longitudinal movements and 4for slight relative rotative movements, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on one of said shafts, a nger attached to said one of said shafts for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, la power device controlled by said lconnecting means and operatively connected directly to said finger for imparting shifting movements to said `finger, and manual means for operating said shafts itoiselectively position said finger and thereafter operate said connecting means to control said power dev-ice and finally assist said :power device in imparting shifting movements 'to :said finger.

9.v Gear shifting mechanism of -the character described comprising a shaft, a spindle, means `connecting said shaft and said spindle `for simultaneous longitudinal movements and limited relative rotative movements and simultaneous 4rotative movements, selective shifter `elements `mountedfon said spindle, a `finger secured to said spindle for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, a lever loosely mounted on said shifter elements and having permanent engagement with said finger for imparting shifting movements thereto, a power device controlled by -said connecting means and connected to said lever for operating the same, and manual operating means for operating said shaft.

10. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a spindle, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said spindle, a finger secured to said spindle for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, a lever loosely mounted on said shifter elements and having permanent engagement with said finger for imparting shifting movements to said finger, a power device connected to said lever for operating the same, and manual means for selectively positioning said finger and controlling said power device.

11. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a spindle, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said spindle, a finger secured to said spindle for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, a lever loosely mounted on said shifter elements and having permanent engagement with said nger for imparting shifting movements to said finger, a power device connected to said lever for operating the same, and manual means for selectively positioning said finger and also controlling said power device and thereafter assisting said power device in shifting the selected element.

12. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising spaced supports, a shaft mounted for longitudinal and turning movements, a tube loosely mounted in each support and on said shaft, means` preventing relative longitudinal movements between said tubes and said shaft, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said tubes between said supports, a finger secured to said shaft and extending between and beyond said tubes for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, means associated with said tubes and said elements and said supports for preventing shifting movements of the unselected element, and operating means connected to said shaft for operating the same to selectively position said linger and also shift the selected element.

13. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising spaced supports, a shaft mounted for longitudinal I'and turning movements, a tube loosely mounted in each support and on said shaft, means preventing relative longitudinal movements between said tubes and said shaft, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said tubes between said supports, a finger secured to said shaft and extending between and beyond said tubes for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, means associated with said tubes and said elements and said supports for preventing shifting movements of the unselected element, `and a power device connected to the projecting end of said finger for imparting shifting movements thereto, and manual operating means for selectively positioning said nger and thereafter controlling said power device.

14. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising spaced supports, a shaft mounted for longitudinal and turning movements, a tube loosely mounted in each support and on said shaft, means preventing relative longitudinal movements between said tubes and said shaft, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said tubes between said supports, a finger secured to said shaft and extending between and beyond said tubes for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, means associated with said tubes and said elements and said supports for preventing shifting movements of the unselected element, a power device connected to the projecting end of said finger for imparting shift-v ing movements thereto, and manual operating means for selectively positioning said linger and thereafter controlling said power device and iinally assisting said power device to impart shifting movements to said linger.

15. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising selective shifter elements, a shaft, a spindle, means connecting said shaft and said spindle for simultaneous longitudinal movements and limited relative rotative movements for selecting and shifting said elements, a single spring mounted in said connecting means, means cooperating with said connecting means for compressing said spring one or the other directions when said shaft and said spindle are relatively rotated, and operating means connected to said control shaft for effecting said longitudinal movements and said relative rotative movements, said compression of said spring acting automatically to return said shaft and said spindle to normal relative rotative relation as and when said operating means is released.

16. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising a steering column, a cowel dash, two axially aligned shafts mounted substantially parallel to said steering column for longitudinal and turning movements, elements connecting said shafts for turning and imparting longitudinal movements to one by the other and leaving said shafts free for slight relative turning movements, a manual means connected to one of said shafts for turning and moving the same longitudinally, a power device mounted on said dash and operatively connected to the other one of said shafts for assisting said manual means in turning the same, and a valve operated by said connecting elements controlling energization of said power device.

17. Gear shifting mechanism of the character described comprising spaced supports, a shaft mounted for longitudinal and turning movements, a tube loosely mounted in each support and on said shaft, means preventing relative longitudinal movements between said tubes and said shaft, selective shifter elements loosely mounted on said tubes between said supports, a finger secured to said shaft and extending between and beyond said tubes for selectively engaging and shifting said elements, means associated with said tubes and said elements and said supports for preventing shifting movements of the unselected element, a power device connected to the projecting end of said finger for imparting shift-` ing movements thereto, a second shaft mounted in axial alignment with said rst named shaft, means connecting said shafts for simultaneous longitudinal movements and limited relative rotative movements therebetween, a valve mounted on said connecting means, a resilient means, and a manual operating means connected to said second shaft for'operating said shafts to selectively position said finger and thereafter regulate said valve against the action of said resilient means to control energization of said power device and finally assist said power device to impart shifting movements to said finger.

ELMER G. KESLING. 

